PORT Glasgow have welcomed the outcome of an investigation into allegations of racism towards an Irvine Victoria player after the club were cleared by a disciplinary committee.

Christopher Jackson accused a Port Glasgow player and a supporter of using discriminatory language towards him in the Ayrshire team’s 3-1 victory on November 5 at Parklea.

A league disciplinary committee found the allegation of racist abuse was not proven after an audio recording and video footage from the game was reviewed.

The Port committee said in a statement they feel vindicated by the outcome of the probe and they are considering taking legal action against people who 'attacked' the club during the investigation.

A Port Glasgow spokesperson said: "During the last six weeks the club attended a disciplinary hearing during which we provided a robust defence of our club, the supporter and player.

"We complied with everything that was asked of us, and we have waited until the outcome of this investigation before we put on record our thoughts on this matter, even whilst the club was being attacked from all angles.

"For full transparency the club were first made aware of these allegations via social media, at no point during or after the game did anyone from Irvine Victoria approach or discuss with Port Glasgow any allegations of racism by our fans or players.

"We are also aware that the referee stated in his match report, that he heard no comments of racism from either the players or fans.

"We as a club would be the first to speak out and take full action against anyone who makes a racist comment towards anyone at this club whether you are a home or away player, manager, fan, committee member etc.

"We will simply not tolerate this, and we know everyone involved or associated with this club is of the same opinion in this regard.

"The club were informed by the disciplinary committee that this allegation of racial abuse of an Irvine Victoria player by a section or individual member of the opposition support is NOT PROVEN.

"As part of the disciplinary committee’s extensive deliberations, the committee had the audio on the video file enhanced, reduced some of the background interference to make the audio as clear as possible.

"The audio was also presented by the disciplinary committee to the league management committee, and it was agreed that the evidence of any racial abuse is inconclusive.

"Whilst the comment highlighted is of abusive language, the opinion of the management committee was that the word used was likely to be 'fat'.

"The club welcomes the outcome of this investigation and is pleased that our club has been cleared of any form of racism.

"As part of our response to the allegation we provided the league with full audio/video of the match, we highlighted the sections of the game where we had been accused and we were able to robustly defend our position on these allegations.

"The club is very grateful for the fact that we had video evidence available, because without this evidence, our club and players' names could have been tarnished beyond repair.

"The club has stated before and will state again 'we do not condone any form of racist behaviour at this club'. Port Glasgow Junior Football Club has a long and successful history.

"We are an inclusive club and a club that are open to all.

"The club now turns its attention towards all of those who spoke out during the last six weeks regarding these allegations.

"This club has had its name dragged through the gutter over these last few weeks. The club, however, has waited before we could respond.

"The club have already taken legal advice on the actions of these people and following that legal advice, we will be acting where we feel it is necessary to protect the reputation of this great club, its supporters and players.

"The club would like to thank everyone who has continued to support us during this time. The club’s sponsors and fans have supported us like no other, without them, this club would not be here today."